WEATHERFORD, Okla. — Rogers State women's basketball fell to Oklahoma Baptist, 82-45, in the final game of the GAC/MIAA Crossover at the Pioneer Event Center.
Rogers State struggled offensively, shooting 28.1% from the field and connecting on just 2 of 21 attempts from beyond the arc. OBU capitalized on its shooting, making 11 three-pointers and maintaining a +11 advantage in total rebounds to secure the win.
The first quarter began with the Cats' struggling to find an offensive rhythm, missing their initial shots and allowing the Lady Bison to build an early lead. Despite defensive efforts, including blocks from
Jaiana Wiggins and
Marcela Pinedo, the Hillcats struggled to convert these stops into points.
Kate Melton provided a spark late in the quarter with two successful free throws and a jumper, narrowing the gap slightly. However, the quarter closed with RSU behind as Oklahoma Baptist maintained control, capitalizing on turnovers and defensive rebounds. The score at the end of the first quarter was 16-4 in favor of Oklahoma Baptist.
RSU opened the second quarter with a three-pointer from
Samantha Shanks, assisted by Melton, reducing the gap early on. Despite this effort, turnovers became a challenge, with the Hillcats committing five during the quarter. Defensive efforts were highlighted by
Michelle Arens, who contributed a block and grabbed defensive rebounds to limit the Lady Bison's scoring opportunities.
The Lady Bison capitalized on free throws and bench points, maintaining their lead throughout the quarter. The Hillcats managed to cut into the lead with a late layup by Shanks on a fast break, closing the quarter with a score of 15–38 in favor of Oklahoma Baptist.
The Hillcats initiated the third quarter with a series of defensive plays, including a steal by Wiggins that led to a successful jumper. Despite this early momentum, RSU faced a strong offensive push from the Lady Bison, which included multiple three-pointers, widening the gap in the score. The Hillcats continued to pressure the defense, capitalizing on turnovers to add points in the paint.
Ataya Casaus contributed with a three-pointer, and
Cheyan McDaniel, among others, scored crucial layups. However, Okla. Baptist maintained their lead with efficient shooting, concluding the quarter at 61-34 in favor of the Lady Bison.
The Hillcats entered the fourth quarter trailing and faced a strong start from Oklahoma Baptist, who quickly extended their lead with early three-pointers by Parker Stevenson. Despite efforts by RSU, including a jumper from Casaus at 8:11, they struggled to shift the momentum. As the quarter progressed, the Hillcats continued to battle with contributions from
Destiny Jones and
Addison Mootry, who made key plays in the paint. However, the Lady Bison maintained their advantage by capitalizing on fast breaks and second-chance points. RSU closed the quarter with a pair of free throws by Mootry, bringing their final score to 45, but OBU secured the win with a score of 82–45.
Casaus led the Hillcats with nine points, adding three assists and one 3-pointer. Shanks contributed with 7 points and dominated the boards with eight rebounds. Arens displayed defensive strength by collecting seven rebounds and blocking one shot. Wiggins made an impact defensively, recording two steals and a block.
Stevenson led the Lady Bison with 20 points, hitting 7 of 9 from the field and 4 of 5 from beyond the arc. Jaedyn Getman contributed significantly with a double-double, scoring 23 points and capturing 14 rebounds while making 8 of 8 free throws. Jordyn Anderson facilitated the offense with seven assists and added eight points. Brianna Jones stood out defensively with two steals.
RSU will return to action on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. in Ada against East Central.